Flight bag

ABSTRACT

A flight bag has a main compartment that includes a front panel and rear panel. The flight bag includes a first compartment flap affixed to the front panel of the main compartment. When open, the first compartment flap exposes an opening through the front panel and an interior face of the main compartment. The flight bag includes a collapsible pouch affixed to a periphery of the opening and configured to extend across the width of the main compartment. The flight bag also includes a second compartment flap affixed to the interior face of the main compartment disposed opposite the first compartment flap. When both compartment flaps are opened an object may be inserted into the pouch and when first and second compartment flaps are closed, the pouch is enclosed between both compartment flaps.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Ser. No. 61/880,323 filed Sep. 20, 2013, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to flight bags, and more particularly, to flight bags having specialized pockets.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pilots typically carry several items with them when flying an airplane or helicopter. These items may include a handheld radio, paper maps, a GPS unit, pens, pencils, sunglasses, headsets, manuals, etc. To help carry and organize those various items, pilots often carry the items in what is known in the industry as a flight bag. These flight bags will typically have a variety of specific pockets or compartments especially designed to carry those items. For example, most flight bags incorporate a single pocket configured to hold a headset. However, many pilots will carry an extra headset in their flight bag as a backup or for a passenger. Current flight bags, however, do not have additional pockets or compartments for carrying one or more extra headsets conveniently or without intruding on other items being carried in the flight bag.

What is needed, therefore, is a flight bag with additional pockets or compartments for carrying one or more extra headsets.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one embodiment of the invention, a flight bag includes a main compartment with a front panel, a rear panel, a first end, a second end, a bottom panel, and a top panel, which define an interior volume. The main compartment has a length and a width. The flight bag includes a first pocket affixed to the first end and a second pocket affixed to the second end. A first compartment flap is affixed to the front panel and is selectively moveable between an open position and a closed position. When in the open position, the first compartment flap exposes an opening through the front panel into the interior volume of the main compartment. The flight bag includes a collapsible pouch affixed to a periphery of the opening and configured to extend across the width of the main compartment to create an interior compartment residing with the main compartment. The flight bag includes a second compartment flap affixed to an interior face of the front panel and disposed opposite the first compartment flap and is selectively moveable between an open position and a closed position independent of position of the first compartment flap. When the first and second compartment flaps are in their open positions an object, such as an aviation headset, may be inserted into the pouch with the pouch extending across the width of the main compartment. When first and second compartment flaps are in their closed positions they form a holding pocket which encloses the pouch between the first and second compartment flaps.

This flight bag may include other features such as a central pocket affixed to the front panel adjacent to the first compartment flap, the top panel includes a zipper extending along a portion of the length of the main compartment, the length of the main compartment is greater than its width, and the first pocket and the second pocket do not open into the main compartment.

The first compartment flap may have a zipper and the second compartment flap may have a zipper, where each zipper is used to move the respective first and second compartment flaps to closed positions thereby enclosing the pouch therebetween.

In another embodiment, this flight bag includes a third compartment flap affixed to the front panel of the main compartment and spaced apart from the first compartment flap and is selectively moveable between an open position and a closed position. When in the open position, the third compartment flap exposes a second opening through the front panel into the interior volume of the main compartment. A second collapsible pouch is affixed to a periphery of the second opening and configured to extend across the width of the main compartment to create a second interior compartment residing with the main compartment. The flight bag includes a fourth compartment flap affixed to the interior face of the front panel and disposed opposite the third compartment flap and is selectively moveable between an open position and a closed position independent of the third compartment flap. When the third and fourth compartment flaps are in their open positions an object may be inserted into the second pouch with the second pouch extending across the width of the main compartment. When third and fourth compartment flaps are in their closed positions they form a second holding pocket which encloses the second pouch between the third and fourth compartment flaps.

This flight bag may include a central pocket affixed to the front panel and being disposed between the first compartment flap and the third compartment flap.

In another embodiment a flight bag includes a main compartment with a front panel and rear panel, where the main compartment has a length and a width. A first compartment flap affixed to the front panel of the main compartment, the first compartment flap being selectively moveable between an open position and a closed position, when in the open position the first compartment flap exposes an opening through the front panel into an interior volume of the main compartment. A collapsible pouch is affixed to a periphery of the opening and configured to extend across the width of the main compartment to create an interior compartment residing with the main compartment. The flight bag includes a second compartment flap affixed to an interior face of the front panel and disposed opposite the first compartment flap and is selectively moveable between an open position and a closed position independent of position of the first compartment flap. When the first and second compartment flaps are in their open positions an object, such as an aviation headset, may be inserted into the pouch with the pouch extending across the width of the main compartment. When first and second compartment flaps are in their closed positions they form a holding pocket which encloses the pouch between the first and second compartment flaps.

In another embodiment this flight bag includes a third compartment flap affixed to the front panel of the main compartment and spaced apart from the first compartment flap, the third compartment flap being selectively moveable between an open position and a closed position, when in the open position the third compartment flap exposes a second opening through the front panel into the interior volume of the main compartment. A second collapsible pouch is affixed to a periphery of the second opening and configured to extend across the width of the main compartment to create a second interior compartment residing with the main compartment. This flight bag includes a fourth compartment flap affixed to the interior face of the front panel and disposed opposite the third compartment flap and is selectively moveable between an open position and a closed position independent of the third compartment flap. When the third and fourth compartment flaps are in their open positions an object may be inserted into the second pouch with the second pouch extending across the width of the main compartment. When third and fourth compartment flaps are in their closed positions they form a second holding pocket which encloses the second pouch between the third and fourth compartment flaps.

This flight bag may include other features such as a central pocket affixed to the front panel and being disposed between the first compartment flap and the third compartment flap.

In another embodiment, a flight bag includes a main compartment having a front panel, a rear panel, a first end, a second end, a bottom panel, and a top panel defining an interior volume, where the main compartment having a length and a width. The flight bag includes a first pocket affixed to the first end and a second pocket affixed to the second end. A first compartment flap is affixed to the front panel of the main compartment and is selectively moveable between an open position and a closed position. When in the open position, the first compartment flap defines an opening through the front panel into the interior volume of the main compartment. A collapsible pouch is affixed to a periphery of the opening and configured to extend across the width of the main compartment to create an interior compartment residing with the main compartment. A strap is affixed to an interior face of the front panel disposed opposite the first compartment flap. The strap having a fastener at one end and is selectively moveable between a fastened position and an unfastened position independent of position of the first compartment flap. When the first compartment flap is in its open position and the strap is in its unfastened position an object, such as an aviation headset, may be inserted into the pouch with the pouch extending across the width of the main compartment. When first compartment flap is in its closed position and the strap is in its fastened position the pouch is retained between the first compartment flap and the strap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with a general description of the invention given above, and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a flight bag in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic close-up perspective view of the flight bag of FIG. 1 with an exterior flap open exposing an interior compartment.

FIG. 3A is a partial schematic cross-sectional view taken along line 3A-3A of the flight bag of FIG. 1 showing the main compartment with the exterior and interior flaps closed.

FIG. 3B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the flight bag of FIG. 3A with a headset being inserted in the interior compartment.

FIG. 3C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the flight bag of FIG. 3A with a headset inserted in the interior compartment with the exterior flap open.

FIG. 3D is a schematic cross-sectional view of the flight bag of FIG. 3A with a headset inserted in the interior compartment with the exterior flap closed.

FIG. 4 is a close-up perspective view of another embodiment of a flight bag with an exterior flap open exposing an interior compartment.

FIG. 5A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the flight bag of FIG. 4 with the exterior closed.

FIG. 5B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the flight bag of FIG. 4 with a headset inserted in the interior compartment with the exterior flap closed.

FIG. 6 is a close-up perspective view of another embodiment of a flight bag with an exterior flap open exposing an interior compartment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of flight bag with a closed exterior flap and an interior strap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of a flight bag 10 of the invention is shown in FIG. 1. The general concept of the flight bag 10 is to provide a user-configurable space for a headset, instead of using a permanent, dedicated pocket or compartment. In other words, when the pilot is not carrying a headset in the flight bag 10, the interior space of the flight bag 10 is not being consumed by a permanent headset pocket or compartment. While the flight bag 10 will be described relative to a pocket for carrying an additional headset, the pocket could also be used for carrying other items such as a video camera systems and the associated mounting hardware, for example.

Flight bag 10 has a main compartment 20 flanked on one end by a zippered, padded headset pocket 22 and multiple zippered, accessory pockets 24 on the other end. The headset pocket 22 and the accessory pockets 24 are self-contained and do not open into the main compartment 20. In other words, there is no internal entryway between headset pocket 22 and the accessory pockets 24 and main compartment 20. A front panel 25 of the flight bag 10 has centrally located zippered pocket 26. Zippered pocket 26 is also self-contained and does not open into main compartment 20. Each of the pockets 22, 24, and 26 are self-contained and do not open into the main compartment. The flight bag 10 further includes open pockets 28 that are shaped to accommodate slender items such as pens, pencils, and flashlights. The flight bag 10 also includes handles 30 and a shoulder strap 32. The main compartment 20 has a selectively openable flap 34 that is flanked on both sides by zippers 36. When the flap 34 is unzipped, a user will open access to the interior of main compartment 20. While the flap 34 is illustrated with two zippers 36, the flap 34 may also be configured with only one zipper. In addition, other suitable fasteners could be used in place of the zippers 36, such as hook and loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro®), buttons, snaps, clasps, laces, etc. The main compartment has a bottom panel (not shown).

The flight bag 10 includes two exterior zippered compartment flaps 40, 42, which are selectively moveable between an open position and a closed position. When compartment flap 40 is opened, it exposes an interior compartment 44 formed by a collapsible pouch 46 (FIG. 3C) made of a flexible material. Because the interior compartment (not shown) behind compartment flap 42 is the same as interior compartment 44, the details of only interior compartment 44 will be discussed. The interior compartment 44 in FIG. 3C has a generally square cross-section although different cross-section shapes could be used such as circular, oval, rectangular, D-shape, etc.

As shown in FIG. 3A, there is an interior zippered compartment flap 48 that is shaped similar to compartment flap 40. Compartment flap 48 is selectively moveable between an open position and a closed position. Compartment flaps 40, 48 are sized such that when both are opened a typical aviation headset 50 can pass through the opening and into the interior compartment 44 (FIGS. 3B and 3C). The interior compartment 44 formed by the collapsible pouch 46 extends in a direction, i.e., across the width (designated by W in FIG. 1) of the flight bag 10, generally perpendicular the long dimension, i.e., the length (designated by L) in FIG. 1, of the flight bag 10. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D, the interior compartment 44 extends almost to a rear panel 52 of the flight bag 10, i.e., nearly across the entire width of the flight bag 10. In all, the flight bag 10 could hold at least three separate headsets 50—one in headset pocket 22 and one each in the interior compartments 44 associated with compartment flaps 40, 42.

As shown in FIG. 3A, when there is no headset placed in the interior compartment 44, the compartment flaps 40, 42 can be closed to create a holding pocket 54 that completely encloses or encases the collapsible pouch 46 therebetween. By enclosing or encasing the collapsible pouch 46 in the holding pocket 54, collapsible pouch 46 do not intrude into the main compartment 20 so that the entire volume of the main compartment 20 is available for holding other items.

The compartment flaps 40, 42 shown in FIGS. 1-3D have zippers 60, 62 around their respective peripheries. Other securing devices could be substituted for the zippers 60, 62, such as hook and loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro®), buttons, snaps, clasps, laces, etc.

FIGS. 4-5B illustrate another flight bag 70 that generally has all the same features as flight bag 10 and similar numbers are used to identify similar features from flight bag 10. Flight bag 70 includes an exterior compartment flap 72 that when opened exposes an interior compartment 74 defined by collapsible pouch 76. The interior compartment 74 extends generally perpendicular to the length of the flight bag 70 and from the front panel 25 to nearly across to the rear panel 52. The interior compartment 74 has a similar configuration and cross-section as interior compartment 44 to hold a headset 50. Compartment flap 72 includes a zipper 78 around its periphery and an elongated opening or slot 80. Unlike like flight bag 10, flight bag 70 does not include an interior compartment flap like 44 to enclose or encase the collapsible pouch 76. Instead, and as shown in FIG. 5A, the collapsible pouch 76 can be stuffed through the elongated opening 80 into a flap pocket 82 in compartment flap 72. By stuffing the collapsible pouch 76 in the flap pocket 82, collapsible pouch 76 do not intrude into the main compartment 20 so that the entire volume of the main compartment 20 is available for holding other items.

FIG. 6 illustrates another flight bag 90 that generally has the same features as flight bag 70 and similar numbers are used to identify similar features from flight bag 70. Flight bag 90 includes an exterior compartment flap 92 that includes a zipper 94. When the zipper 94 is unzipped collapsible pouch 96, which forms interior compartment 98, can be stuffed inside the pocket interior to the compartment flap 92. Thus, the entire volume of main compartment 20 is available for holding other items.

FIG. 7 illustrates another flight bag 110 that generally has all the same features as flight bag 10 and similar numbers are used to identify similar features from flight bag 10. Flight bag 110 includes an exterior compartment flap 112, but does not have an interior compartment flap 48. Instead, flight bag 110 includes a strap 114 that extends across the opening covered by compartment flap 112 to retain or secure collapsible pouch 116 against the interior face of compartment flat 112. One end of the strap 114 includes hook and loop fasteners 118 to readily secure the strap 114 to an interior face 120 of the main compartment 20. The strap 144 is selectively moveable between a fastened position and an unfastened position. The hook and loop fasteners 118 could be replaced by any suitable fastener such as a button, snaps, clasps, laces, etc. The width of strap 114 would be less than the total height of compartment flap 112 and would more likely be between ¼″ to 5″ and even between 1″ and 3″.

While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of one or more embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, they are not intended to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and method and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the general inventive concept. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A flight bag comprising: a main compartment having a front panel, a rear panel, a first end, a second end, a bottom panel, and a top panel defining an interior volume, the main compartment having a length and a width; a first pocket affixed to the first end; a second pocket affixed to the second end; a first compartment flap affixed to the front panel, the first compartment flap being selectively moveable between an open position and a closed position, when in the open position the first compartment flap exposes an opening through the front panel into the interior volume of the main compartment; a collapsible pouch affixed to a periphery of the opening and configured to extend across the width of the main compartment to create an interior compartment residing with the main compartment; a second compartment flap affixed to an interior face of the front panel and disposed opposite the first compartment flap, the second compartment flap being selectively moveable between an open position and a closed position independent of position of the first compartment flap; and wherein when the first and second compartment flaps are in their open positions an object may be inserted into the pouch with the pouch extending across the width of the main compartment and when first and second compartment flaps are in their closed positions they form a holding pocket which encloses the pouch between the first and second compartment flaps.
 2. The flight bag of claim 1 wherein the first compartment flap has a zipper and the second compartment flap has a zipper, each zipper used to move the respective first and second compartment flaps to closed positions thereby enclosing the pouch therebetween.
 3. The flight bag of claim 1 wherein the pouch is a flexible material.
 4. The flight bag of claim 1 wherein the opening is large enough to let an aviation headset pass through and into the pouch.
 5. The flight bag of claim 1, further comprising: a third compartment flap affixed to the front panel and spaced apart from the first compartment flap, the third compartment flap being selectively moveable between an open position and a closed position, when in the open position the third compartment flap exposes a second opening through the front panel into the interior volume of the main compartment; a second collapsible pouch affixed to a periphery of the second opening and configured to extend across the width of the main compartment to create a second interior compartment residing with the main compartment; a fourth compartment flap affixed to the interior face of the front panel and disposed opposite the third compartment flap, the fourth compartment flap being selectively moveable between an open position and a closed position independent of the third compartment flap; and wherein when the third and fourth compartment flaps are in their open positions an object may be inserted into the second pouch with the second pouch extending across the width of the main compartment and when third and fourth compartment flaps are in their closed positions they form a second holding pocket which encloses the second pouch between the third and fourth compartment flaps.
 6. The flight bag of claim 1, further comprising: a central pocket affixed to the front panel adjacent to the first compartment flap.
 7. The flight bag of claim 5, further comprising: a central pocket affixed to the front panel and being disposed between the first compartment flap and the third compartment flap.
 8. The flight bag of claim 1, wherein the top panel includes a zipper extending along a portion of the length of the main compartment.
 9. The flight bag of claim 1, wherein the length of the main compartment is greater than its width.
 10. The flight bag of claim 1, wherein the first pocket and the second pocket do not open into the main compartment.
 11. A flight bag comprising: a main compartment having a front panel and rear panel, the main compartment having a length and a width; a first compartment flap affixed to the front panel, the first compartment flap being selectively moveable between an open position and a closed position, when in the open position the first compartment flap exposes an opening through the front panel into an interior volume of the main compartment; a collapsible pouch affixed to a periphery of the opening and configured to extend across the width of the main compartment to create an interior compartment residing with the main compartment; a second compartment flap affixed to an interior face of the front panel and disposed opposite the first compartment flap, the second compartment flap being selectively moveable between an open position and a closed position independent of position of the first compartment flap; and wherein when the first and second compartment flaps are in their open positions an object may be inserted into the pouch with the pouch extending across the width of the main compartment and when first and second compartment flaps are in their closed positions they form a holding pocket which encloses the pouch between the first and second compartment flaps.
 12. The flight bag of claim 11 wherein the opening is large enough to let an aviation headset pass through and into the pouch.
 13. The flight bag of claim 11, further comprising: a third compartment flap affixed to the front panel and spaced apart from the first compartment flap, the third compartment flap being selectively moveable between an open position and a closed position, when in the open position the third compartment flap exposes a second opening through the front panel into the interior volume of the main compartment; a second collapsible pouch affixed to a periphery of the second opening and configured to extend across the width of the main compartment to create a second interior compartment residing with the main compartment; a fourth compartment flap affixed to the interior face of the front panel and disposed opposite the third compartment flap, the fourth compartment flap being selectively moveable between an open position and a closed position independent of the third compartment flap; and wherein when the third and fourth compartment flaps are in their open positions an object may be inserted into the second pouch with the second pouch extending across the width of the main compartment and when third and fourth compartment flaps are in their closed positions they form a second holding pocket which encloses the second pouch between the third and fourth compartment flaps.
 14. The flight bag of claim 11, further comprising: a central pocket affixed to the front panel adjacent to the first compartment flap.
 15. The flight bag of claim 13, further comprising: a central pocket affixed to the front panel and being disposed between the first compartment flap and the third compartment flap.
 16. A flight bag comprising: a main compartment having a front panel, a rear panel, a first end, a second end, a bottom panel, and a top panel defining an interior volume, the main compartment having a length and a width; a first pocket affixed to the first end; a second pocket affixed to the second end; a first compartment flap affixed to the front panel, the first compartment flap being selectively moveable between an open position and a closed position, when in the open position the first compartment flap defines an opening through the front panel into the interior volume of the main compartment; a collapsible pouch affixed to a periphery of the opening and configured to extend across the width of the main compartment to create an interior compartment residing with the main compartment; a strap affixed to an interior face of the front panel disposed opposite the first compartment flap, the strap having a fastener at one end, the strap selectively moveable between a fastened position and an unfastened position independent of position of the first compartment flap; and wherein when the first compartment flap is in its open position and the strap is in its unfastened position an object may be inserted into the pouch with the pouch extending across the width of the main compartment and when first compartment flap is in its closed position and the strap is in its fastened position the pouch is retained between the first compartment flap and the strap. 